Are GPS systems which detect radar illegal in France?
I think that the French ban on GPS relates to systems that detect radar emissions, and that has always been illegal. I think there is nothing new, and ordinary GPS warnings of static radar speed checks are still legal. After all, the French always have signage warning of static cameras. Mind you, my experience is that French often get their own laws wrong. Do you have a source of info for GPS legality in France because I cannot find one.
Asked on 14 July 2012 by CA. via email
Answered by
Honest John
No. It is for satnavs that show the locations of fixed camera sites. It seems that Garmin and TomTom offer a means of re-cataloguing the camera locations as ‘danger zones’. With others, switching off the POI gets rid of this function. With yet others I'm awaiting clarification. A reader translated a French notice about the issue and another supplies your rights if you are stopped, here: www.honestjohn.co.uk/faq/speed-cameras-in-france/
Similar questions
As I understand it, in-car satnavs and mobile phones with GPS facilities are going to be subject to the same law as radar detectors when travelling in France. It's a real nightmare.
I understand that the French Authorities have banned the use of speed camera detectors and can impose fines up to £1250. I have recently become the owner of a Nissan Note with its fitted Nissan Connect...
I have read in your columns that France, Germany, Italy, Holland and Belgium do not approve of the use of satnavs with speed camera data. Last March I drove in Spain and Portugal without problems using...
.jpg)
